Gardening 'linked to longer lives'

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24710089


Is getting the spade out good for the heart?

Pottering around the garden or fixing up the house has been linked to a longer life in a study of people over the age of 60.

Older people can struggle to exercise vigorously, but the study said simply getting off the sofa and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle was a lifesaver.

The Swedish study of 4,232 people suggested the risks of heart attack and stroke were cut.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

[Sanity Claws]

1. Besides the exercise, I think getting in touch with the soil and nature is good for one.

IMHO.

[polly7]

2. Absolutely.

Healthy food, good exercise, sunshine and fresh air, a sense of accomplishment and purpose. I wish everyone on earth had a chance to enjoy gardening.

[mopinko]

3. like owning a dog- someone outside yourself.

tending my little farm has helped my health, and i am totally counting on this for a long life.

[SheilaT]

4. And I really have no interest whatsoever in gardening.

I do admire those who garden. I love the results, but cannot summon any enthusiasm for the work involved.

In any case, I wonder if it isn't just getting off the couch and doing some reasonable amount of moving around that is the key.